Education
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2014
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Building a skilled workforce capable of driving a knowledge-based economy is Abu Dhabi’s main goal when it comes to education. In pursuit of this aim, the emirate’s government is making major investments in its schools and universities that are geared towards enhancing the quality and quantity of education for the growing local population. Thanks to government incentives and increased local demand, the private sector is playing a greater role in both K-12 schools and higher education. An emphasis on vocational and technical training is also helping to provide students with the skills needed in the workplace, while efforts to attract international universities are further enhancing the range of post-secondary options on offer, meaning Abu Dhabi appears to be on track with its plans to build up the skills of the local workforce.
This chapter contains interviews with Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC); and Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET).

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Expanding and enhancing: With strong state support and greater involvement from the private sector, capacity is increasing at all levels
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Building a skilled workforce capable of driving a knowledge-based economy is Abu Dhabi’s main goal when it comes to education. In pursuit of this aim, the emirate’s government is making major investments in its schools and universities that are geared towards enhancing the quality and quantity of education for the growing local population. In addition, the private sector is expanding capacity at all levels of schooling, while recent reforms are designed to improve learning outcomes. More generally,…

Analysis

Changing dynamics: Private schools are proving popular with Emiratis and expatriates alike
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Rising incomes and population growth are driving increased demand for private education in Abu Dhabi. From 2007 to 2011, enrolment in private schools increased 34.5%, and the trend is set to continue. Private schools, from local providers to global corporations, are expanding their footprint in the emirate. Salem Al Noaimi, CEO of Waha Capital, told OBG, “We see high potential in education. Rather than attempting to address increased demand for private education itself, the government has actively…

Interview

Knowledge-based vision: OBG talks to Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Former Director-General, Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC)
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Interview:Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili How can the government ensure that private schooling remains affordable for students while making the sector profitable and investor friendly? MUGHEER KHAMIS AL KHAILI: Private School Quality Assurance is focused on major strategy plans such as offering quality education while developing an affordable private system for students across Abu Dhabi. As more new schools are being introduced to the market, supply is likely to cover the growing demand and result…

Interview

Getting technical: OBG talks to Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Director-General, Abu Dhabi Centre for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET)
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Interview:Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi How is ACTVET encouraging students to opt for technical training programmes? HUSSEIN IBRAHIM AL HAMMADI: In order to boost enrolments, middle school students and parents are invited to visit ACTVET schools during open-days, while projects and achievements of current students are showcased during events and other initiatives. Great emphasis is placed on the superior level of education in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) high schools…

Analysis

A collaborative approach: Building up research and development to foster local innovation
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As it invests in human capital, Abu Dhabi is focused on building up the local capacity for scientific research and innovation in key growth sectors. Research and development (R&D) facilities remain in their infancy in Abu Dhabi, but through substantial funding and industry partnerships, the government has demonstrated its commitment to planting the seeds for future innovation. The State Of R&D In a 2012 report, the UAE’s Centre for Higher Education Data and Statistics (CHEDS) attempted…

Analysis

Preparing for tomorrow: Vocational and technical education aims to boost Emirati employment
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Reforms carried out over the past several years have been geared toward preparing Emiratis to fill the jobs needed in Abu Dhabi’s increasingly industrialised economy. As part of its strategic development plan, the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, the government aims to transform the emirate into a knowledge-based economy by focusing on high-skill sectors like energy, aviation and biotechnology. To achieve these goals, the plan outlines the twin objectives of increasing the skill base of the workforce…